The popular Harlem Shake phenomenon has become a source of contention between musicians, who claim that their voices were used in the song without their permission.

The popular Harlem Shake phenomenon has become a source of contention between musicians, who claim that their voices were used in the song without their permission.

Hector Delgado, a reggae singer, and Jayson Musson, a rapper, want compensation from Mad Decent Records, the label behind the song, for the unauthorised use of their voices.

The musicians claim that a sample of Delgado singing “Con los terroristas” was taken from a 2006 single, while another sample of Musson shouting “Do the Harlem Shake” is taken from a 2001 rap by Musson's group Plastic Little.

The original video that began the meme

While sampling is allowed in musical creations, the owner of the sampled work is entitled to receive royalties. Apparently the record label is being co-operative, but a deal has yet to be made.

More people may come forward to cash in on the song too, as DJ Bauuer, otherwise known as Harry Rodrigues, admitted in a Reddit chat that he found the female Spanish vocal used in the song on the internet.

Harlem Shake went viral in early February, encouraging thousands of users to upload their own version of a dance to the first 30 seconds of the song.